Happy weekday everyone!
As you all know by now if I can stretch my dollars on certain household items, I will. You know, when I look into the bigger picture of things, some of our most expensive purchases are used. Think about it, if your house isn’t a brand new build, it’s used. How about your car? Most people buy used. Well, how about some less expensive items? When you buy a house, the first thing you think about is furnishing the house and that can get a bit pricey. A simple way to save on cost is to buy some things used and some things new. When we first bought our house, I bought all our pieces new and we had a few hand me downs. Not because I wasn’t aware of thrifting, but because I wasn’t conscious about budgeting. So as items have worn out in the house or as I’m looking into updating some spaces, I want to do this in a cost-effective way. Here is my guide to buying furniture at a thrift store.
Solid surface materials are best
You can absolutely buy items that are plush and penetrable like pillows, couches, and sheets, but I would make sure to stick it in the washer machine or give it a deep clean with disinfectant for obvious reasons. Solid items like headboards, dressers, and china cabinets still need to be disinfected, but it’s easier to inspect. What I like about solid surfaces as well is that it can be easily re-purposed. If you bring one or several of these pieces home and you are not completely satisfied with it, try painting, staining, or stenciling it.
Look for Antiques or older looking pieces
Even if you have a modern aesthetic, it’s great to have a conversation piece or something that just stands out. These pieces are often imperfect, it may look worn out and rustic. Many antique pieces have curves and they are often timeless. They can be passed down from generation to generation. Some people like to buy these pieces and re-purpose them by painting and changing the hardware, but I like to keep them just the way they are. So the next time you happen to go thrifting, check them out.
Glass and metals are making a comeback
Glass and metals bring a sense of glam and sophistication when I see it in someone’s home. For mirrored furniture or decor, it brings more light into a room. It is a great option for areas with low lighting. Take this mirrored dresser, it can be used as a side table or in a bedroom to bring some flair into your decor. There is something about bringing a metallic touch into the home. Sometimes gold or silver can be too generic. It seems many designers are incorporating copper and brass back into the home. This piece I saw at the thrift shore can be easily used to display fruit.
Wicker it up
Wicker items bring lot’s of texture to a space. Plus wicker is not only an outdoor staple, but it can also be used indoors. Wicker is commonly thought of in terms of baskets, but look into other items like chairs, bed frames, and side tables.
So there you have it folks. I hope this post will inspire you to check out your local thrift store or perhaps donate your items to one.